Pat McCarthy, Ed.D., BCBA,Founder and Director of the Autism Institute of South Carolina, is a national Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over 30 years of experience in services for children and adults on the autism spectrum. She has worked as a teacher in classrooms and private homes; a statewide consultant and trainer for parents, teachers, and other professionals; director for local and state level autism programs; and in various professional roles at universities and residential facilities. On a national level, she has provided consultation and workshops on topics such as non-aversive behavioral interventions, curriculum and instruction based on the principles of applied behavior analysis, school-to-work transition, and statewide systems change. She has co-authored several publications and developed training manuals for professionals and paraprofessionals.

Dr. McCarthy has been recognized for her contributions by the South Carolina Autism Society with the Russell Lee Extra Mile Award in 2004, the Professional of the Year Award in 1987, and the Teacher of the Year Award in 1981.

She earned a doctorate in Special Education Administration from the University of South Carolina, with a dissertation focus on applied behavior analysis and autism. Through postdoctoral study with Pennsylvania State University, she received the Professional Development Certificate in Autism and the Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis for Special Education.

Dr. McCarthy maintains her South Carolina Educator’s Certificate in the following areas: Special Education (LD, ED, MD), Early Childhood, Elementary Education, and Elementary Principal. She is a member of the Association for Behavior Analysis and is an approved Tricare provider for ABA therapy.